Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorms, Hail In The Forecast Tuesday

DETROIT (WWJ) – There is a threat of severe weather in Southeast Michigan Tuesday afternoon.

The National Weather Service say there is a chance of severe thunderstorms — most likely between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

WWJ AccuWeather Meteorologist Dr. Joe Sobel says after the drenching rain stops at around noon — a little later than that in the northern suburbs — metro Detroit will see some sunshine during the day. As it gets warmer, with temperatures climbing to around 70 degrees, that sets the stage for the possibility of storms.

The fast-moving storms could bring large hail and wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour.

“The risk of a tornado like they’ve had in the southern states, recently, I think is pretty slim,” Sobel said. “But the risk of some hail and some strong winds and certainly some heavy rain is there.”

DTE Energy was reporting about 10,000 homes and businesses were without power late in the morning, with more outages expected as the severe weather rolls in. One of the hard-hit areas was near Sibley and Telegraph Road, south of Detroit.

Several Detroit schools closed early Tuesday due a Public Lighting problem. [Check the list HERE].

As for Wednesday, Sobel says it will be cloudy, breezy and warm in metro Detroit — and keep your umbrella handy. Sobel said he won’t rule out another thunderstorm and some more rain is likely. Then things will cool down a bit for the remainder of the week. Highs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday may not reach out of the 50s, with limited sun and a shower possible.

Here’s the extended forecast from the CBS Detroit weather team:

Tuesday: Sun and clouds mixed. High 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.Tuesday Night: Showers and thundershowers this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Low near 50F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch.

Wednesday: Rain ending early. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. High 68F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.Wednesday Night: A few clouds. Low 47F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds for later in the day. High 54F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph.Thursday Night: Showers in the evening, then cloudy overnight. Low around 45F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 30%.